Everything you need to know about hydrolysed collagen

First of all, collagen does not exist in the plant kingdom. This large protein is abundant in the human body and in the animal kingdom in general, in connective tissues such as bones, muscles, skin, tendons and cartilage, as well as in internal organs such as the walls of blood vessels.

Collagen is a macromolecule with a high molecular weight, around 300,000 Da, which plays a key role in holding our tissues together, giving them their strength, firmness and elasticity .

In everyday language, we call it collagen, but it would be more accurate to refer to it as collagens. To date, scientific studies have identified 28 different types of collagen in the human body. Collagen types 1, 2 and 3 are the most abundant in our bodies.

The sources of collagen that you will find in the form of food supplements will always be animal-based. There is bovine collagen, porcine collagen or collagen derived from seafood (fish, shellfish), known as marine collagen.

This marine collagen is extracted from fish bones and skin or shellfish cartilage. These sources of marine collagen are often virtuous because they come from the recycling of by-products from fishing or aquaculture. The traceability of this type of collagen is also one of the most transparent and has the least environmental impact, provided that the fishing or aquaculture practices are certified sustainable.

Marine collagen has a molecular structure similar to our human collagen. It is rich in the amino acids proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. Marine collagen is therefore considered to be the best hydrolysed collagen for its high bioavailability.

Collagen is a very large molecule, which makes it insoluble in water and difficult to assimilate through the intestinal wall. This is because the intestinal mucosa only allows molecules of very low molecular weight to pass through. To cross the intestinal mucosa, the collagen protein undergoes a process of hydrolysis. Large collagen proteins are broken down into peptides, small assemblies of amino acids. These low molecular weight marine collagen peptides (2000Da) are digested, cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream in the form of oligopeptides (small peptides). When they reach the skin and our various tissues, these collagen oligopeptides stimulate both the mobility and spread of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen by our fibroblasts. The result? An increase in the density of fibroblasts and collagen fibres.

When hydrolysis uses targeted enzymes, as is the case with Aroma-Zone Marine Collagen Powder, we call it enzymatic hydrolysis. The choice of enzymes, the temperature and the hydrolysis time are decisive in terms of the characteristics of the peptides obtained and the quality of the hydrolysed marine collagen food supplement, also known as hydrolysate.

Collagen, which is naturally present in our bodies, is good for healthy joints, bones, cartilage and tendons. Collagen degradation linked to natural ageing and various environmental factors (intense sports, inflammatory processes, etc.) accelerates the degeneration of the cartilage in our joints and the loss of bone tissue density. This is particularly true of post-menopausal women, where collagen levels are estimated to have fallen by around 30%. This can lead to joint pain and even osteoarthritis.

Several scientific studies and clinical trials tend to demonstrate the positive effects of collagen supplementation in alleviating joint pain, but to date no claim has been authorised on this subject.

Native collagen is responsible for the resilience, suppleness, firmness and density of our skin. Major constituents of the extra-cellular matrix, collagen fibres form the support structure of our tissues. This extra-cellular matrix is also made up of elastin, proteoglycans, structural glycoproteins and the famous hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for proper hydration and lubrication.

Over time, production of native collagen declines sharply. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, smoking, lack of sleep and a diet that is too rich in refined sugars accelerate the breakdown of collagen protein, and the renewal of collagen fibres becomes slower. Collagen-degrading enzymes are secreted by our cells, particularly during inflammatory phases and under the effect of free radicals. The result? Signs of ageing appear, the skin becomes thinner and wrinkles and fine lines are more visible.

Collagen supplements promote better skin and supports our natural ageing processes. Once digested and assimilated in the body, low molecular weight marine collagen stimulates the mobility and spread of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen by our fibroblasts. The result is an increase in fibroblast density and collagen fibre density. Multiple clinical trials have shown an effect on skin elasticity and firmness after 2 to 3 months of treatment. Hydrolysed marine collagen in the form of peptides helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, promote radiant skin and restore an even complexion.

To find out more, read our full report on Collagen and the skin: everything you need to know.

As part of a sports nutrition programme, collagen supplements provide a significant source of protein. In fact, marine collagen hydrolysate is rich in proteins that help build lean muscle mass as part of regular, intensive sports activities.

To find out about all the benefits of marine collagen for people who do sports, visit our article Collagen, your bodybuilding go-to.